Man Utd stunned as Watford inflict third straight defeat

Manchester United suffered their third defeat in a week as late goals from Juan Zuniga and a penalty from Troy Deeney gave Watford a deserved 3-1 win, their first victory over United since 1986.

The hosts took the lead through in-form midfielder Etinne Capoue’s fourth goal of the season, with the former Tottenham midfielder converting Daryl Janmaat’s cut-back after Manchester United forward Anthony Martial was robbed of possession on the edge of his own box.

United got back on level terms with their first shot on target as Marcus Rashford, on his first Premier League start of the season, equalised for Mourinho’s men shortly after the hour mark.

An inspired change by Walter Mazzari saw substitute Juan Camilo Zuniga sweep Watford back ahead with his first touch, just 53 second after coming on, before the Colombian was brought down in the penalty area by Marouane Fellaini to win his side a penalty.

Watford captain Troy Deeney then thumped the penalty to give his side a deserved three points.

It means Watford won their third match on the trot - while United have now lost three in row after last week’s derby loss against neighbours Manchester City and Thursday’s Europa league defeat against Dutch side Feyenoord.

Watford made one change from their victory over West Ham as Sebastian Prodl replaced the injured Younes Kaboul and the Austrian almost teed up Deeney for the opener, heading just beyond the Watford striker at the far post.

The hosts started brightly an their opening goal had been coming. Odion Ighalo squandered a golden opportunity to open the scoring in the 13th minute after a mix-up between David de Gea and Chris Smalling presented the Watford striker with an open goal, but he somehow slice his shot well wide.

De Gea then saved well from Deeney before United carved out their first opportunity, only for Zlatan Ibrahimovic to shoot wide from six yards.

Paul Pogba, playing alongside Wayne Rooney and Fellaini in a midfield three, struck the crossbar with a superb long-range effort but just as the visitors were growing into the game, Watford went in front.

Watford looked dangerous whenever they attacked and it was no surprise when Capoue put them ahead. Capoue, around 12 yards from goal, dispatched a firm, low shot that De Gea was unable to keep out

Anthony Martial was robbed of possession on the edge of his own box and Daryl Janmaat crossed for Capoue, who struck first-time past De Gea.

The expected United late surge never came, and the hosts re-took the lead with seven minutes to play through Zuniga. The Hornets substitute had been on the pitch less than a minute when Roberto Pereyra picked him out, and he fired past De Gea to make an immediate contribution.

Frustrations for United threatened to boil over as Rooney, Memphis Depay and Fellaini were all booked in the closing stages, and Watford added further gloss to the scoreline when the latter tripped Zuniga in the penalty area.

Referee Michael Oliver had no hesitation pointing to the spot, and Deeney made no mistake, blasting down the middle.